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Dick Russell, a distinguished environmental writer and activist, intimately involved in struggles to preserve and protect the ocean and the creatures in it, has written a definitive book on the Gray whale and, as what we almost have to assume is an intended byproduct, a story which, like all good stories, transcends itself and links us to something even greater. Starting with an immediate report of his travels with his family to San Ignacio lagoon in Baja California to actually meet these superlative beings in their natural habitat, the story opens up dimensionally in both space and time. In time, the story reaches back to Charles Scammon, a mid-nineteenth century whaler who, contrary to Fitzgerald, has a life in two very distinct acts: the first in a career as one of the most rapacious hunters of the Gray whale in America and second, through a kind of transubstantiation of desire, to an observer and documentarian who raises his studies to nearly a form of worship. In space, Russell charts his travels across close to a quarter of the planet which encompasses the range of both the Eastern and Western Gray whale, finding again, connections to every type of life from the immediate relationship of the whales with indigenous people from Alsaka to Russia to the most sophisticated tracking and observational work done using the most sensitive tools our technological civilization makes available. It's a tapestry woven broadly and includes threats overcome, like the defeat of Mitsubishi's proposed saltworks in San Ignacio Lagoon, to threats unknown, such as the inter-related story of global warming, climate change and its effects on the entire web of life on the planet. There is something numinous at the heart of this tale, something that perhaps the whales have been waiting patiently for all this time. That we could come together, meet, look into each other's eyes and affirm the holy each to the other of our shared life on this planet. It is a tale worth telling and Russell has done it beautifully.
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For a truly remarkable experience, you must read this book!
Mr. Russell has done exhaustive research, combined with his obvious talent, to create an epic that will define the world of the California gray whale for years to come.
While opening your eyes to the life the gray whale, you will also- for the first time in print- discover the truth behind the Makah tribe's whale hunt.
A highly recommended book- this will be the crowning jewel in your library for a very long time. For many years hence, this book will be THE defining work on the California gray whale.
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If you believe the whales have been saved, you're sadly mistaken. Charles Scammon was an early whaler who discovered the gray whales' favored birthing spots in Baja's lagoons. This discovery led to a massive slaughter, nearly running them into extinction. Scammon was also a great naturalist who, after quitting whaling, published many fine writings. In Dick Russell's book, one has the opportunity to examine this ancient animal's past through Scammon's eyes as well as to learn the very newest information, which is not all good. Some scientists hoard their knowledge, some people who consider themselves experts are sorely out of date. New behavior we, and others, have documented has wanted for a holding vessel, a place to share this knowledge with the world. That is what Eye of the Whale is and it is spectacular. We spend our days with whales and so our knowledge comes with salt spray and sunburn. I would be surprised if, upon completion of this epic "vessel," you didn't find yourself tasting the salt and squinting from the sunlight reflected off sparkling waters. It IS that good.
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